How do I know if I have oily skin or combination skin?

Look at your cheeks specifically, not your nose. If your cheeks go shiny along with your T-zone, that is oily skin. If your cheeks stay normal or feel slightly tight while your nose, forehead and chin shine, that is combination. It matters because combination skin usually wants treatment products on the T-zone only, and full-face moisturiser everywhere.

Does oily skin really need a moisturiser?

Yes. Oil and water do different jobs in the skin — sebum seals the surface, water keeps it flexible and comfortable. You can produce plenty of oil and still be short on water, which is when skin feels tight and greasy at once. Use a light layer, morning and night. Texture matters more than whether you use one at all.

Why does my face get so much oilier in Dubai summer?

Heat is the main driver. Warmer skin means thinner sebum that spreads and surfaces faster, and Gulf humidity stops sweat evaporating so everything sits on the surface. Most people here find they need one extra treatment night a week from June to September and go back to their normal rhythm by November.

Can oily skin be cured permanently?

No, and be cautious of anything that claims it can. Sebum output is driven by genetics, hormones and age. What changes over time is usually hormonal — many people find their skin becomes less oily in their thirties and forties. What a good routine does is manage the day-to-day: less congestion, fewer blackheads, less midday shine.

How often should oily skin be exfoliated?

Two to three times a week is enough for most oily skin, and once a week is plenty when you are starting out. Signs you have gone too far are stinging when you apply anything, unexpected dry patches, and skin that suddenly reacts to products it was fine with before. If that happens, stop all acids for a fortnight and just cleanse and moisturise.

Is oily skin the same as acne-prone skin?

They overlap but are not the same thing. Excess sebum makes clogged pores more likely, so oily skin does break out more often. Plenty of people are oily without much acne, though, and some people with dry skin still get persistent breakouts. Treat what you actually have. Persistent, painful or cystic acne is a job for a dermatologist, not a mask.

Do men with oily skin need a different routine?

The steps are the same. Male skin does tend to be thicker with more active oil glands, so many men find they need the evening cleanse to work a bit harder. If you shave, do it after cleansing and leave exfoliating masks for a non-shaving night — freshly shaved skin absorbs acids more aggressively and stings.

Should my routine change between summer and winter here?

Slightly. The UAE winter is milder and less humid, so skin usually calms down between December and February — that is often the moment to cut back to one treatment night a week and use a slightly richer moisturiser, especially if you spend long hours in air conditioning. Come April, step it back up.

Oily Skin Care

Balance shine and clear congested pores without stripping your skin, with a routine and products built for oily skin. Shipped worldwide with DHL.

Aloe Vera Face Mask Sheet
Rated 5.00 out of 5
4 reviews
Original price was: $7.00.Current price is: $5.00. Add to cart
A 25 ml aloe vera sheet mask with ectoin, hyaluronic acid, chamomile and centella, made to soothe and hydrate dry, sensitive or sun-tired skin. Ships worldwide with DHL.
Dark Spot Correcting Serum
Rated 5.00 out of 5
11 reviews
Original price was: $36.00.Current price is: $28.00. Add to cart
A lightweight 30 ml serum with niacinamide and alpha arbutin for dark spots, sun spots and post-acne marks. Used morning and night. Ships worldwide with DHL.
Day and Night Cream Set
Rated 5.00 out of 5
1 review
Original price was: $54.00.Current price is: $42.00. Add to cart
A day cream with niacinamide and licorice extract and a night cream with arbutin and vitamin C, designed to support a brighter, more even-looking skin tone. Ships worldwide with DHL.
Korean Face Mask Sheets (Pack of 5)
Rated 5.00 out of 5
6 reviews
Original price was: $19.00.Current price is: $14.00. Add to cart
Five Korean sheet masks for five skin moods: aloe vera, collagen, salicylic acid, coffee and turmeric. The easiest way to find your favorite, shipped worldwide with DHL.
Salicylic Acid Face Mask (2% BHA)
Rated 5.00 out of 5
2 reviews
Original price was: $7.00.Current price is: $5.00. Add to cart
A 25 ml sheet mask with 2% salicylic acid, glycolic acid and witch hazel, designed to help clear congested pores and refine texture. A weekly treatment, shipped worldwide with DHL.
Turmeric Face Wash
Rated 5.00 out of 5
2 reviews
Original price was: $11.00.Current price is: $8.00. Add to cart
Foaming turmeric face wash with tea tree oil, ginger, aloe and hyaluronic acid, made for oily, breakout-prone skin. Ships worldwide with DHL in 3 to 5 working days.

Oily Skin: Control Shine Without Stripping

Oily skin produces extra sebum, which gives a shiny T-zone, larger-looking pores and a tendency toward congestion. The common mistake is to fight oil with harsh products. Stripped skin often responds by making even more oil, so the aim is balance: clean thoroughly, hydrate lightly and use targeted actives sparingly.

A Balanced Routine for Oily Skin

1. Cleanse, morning and evening

The Turmeric Face Wash pairs turmeric, tea tree oil and ginger with hyaluronic acid, aloe and allantoin, so it cleans oily, breakout-prone skin without leaving it tight.

2. Treat with a targeted serum

If oily skin is leaving marks, a niacinamide-based formula such as the Dark Spot Correcting Serum supports an even-looking tone. Learn more in our niacinamide guide.

3. Moisturize lightly

Skipping moisturizer can make oiliness worse. A light cream, such as the Day Cream in the Day and Night Cream Set, keeps skin comfortable without a greasy feel.

4. Protect with sunscreen

Sunscreen helps prevent dark marks from returning after breakouts. Look for a light, non-greasy texture you enjoy wearing.

A Weekly Reset for Congested Pores

Once a week, use the Salicylic Acid Face Mask. It combines 2% salicylic acid, glycolic acid and witch hazel to help clear pores and refine texture. Start slowly, patch-test first and always wear sunscreen the next morning.

What to Look For on the Label

Salicylic acid (BHA): an oil-soluble acid that works inside pores.
Niacinamide: supports tone and texture and helps skin look balanced.
Tea tree and witch hazel: traditionally used to leave oily skin feeling fresh.
Hyaluronic acid: lightweight hydration without oil.

Things to Avoid

Washing more than twice a day.
Picking or squeezing blemishes, which can leave marks.
Using several exfoliating acids at once.

Oily Skin in Hot and Humid Weather

Humid summers and warm climates tend to increase shine. Switch to the lightest textures you own, wash after sweating and keep a blotting routine rather than adding more cleansing.

Shipping Oily Skin Essentials Worldwide

All orders go with DHL in 3 to 5 working days. Shipping is a flat $35 up to $99 and free above $99. Details are on our shipping page.

Oily Skin FAQs

Do I still need moisturizer if my skin is oily?

Yes. Skin that lacks water can make extra oil. A light, water-based moisturizer helps.

Can oily skin be sensitive?

Yes. Oily and sensitive skin often go together, so introduce actives slowly.

How often should I use a salicylic acid mask?

Once a week to begin with, and up to twice a week if your skin is comfortable.

Will oil control products shrink pores?

Pore size is mostly genetic, but keeping pores clean can make them look less noticeable.

Aloe Vera Face Mask Sheet

Dark Spot Correcting Serum

Day and Night Cream Set

Korean Face Mask Sheets (Pack of 5)

Salicylic Acid Face Mask (2% BHA)

Turmeric Face Wash